Causes of Cough

Common Cold. Most coughs are part of a cold that includes the lower airway. The medical name is viral bronchitis. The bronchi are the lower part of the airway that go to the lungs. Bronchitis in children is always caused by a virus. This includes cold viruses, influenza and croup. Bacteria do not cause bronchitis in healthy children.

Sinus Infection. The exact mechanism of the cough is unknown. It may be that post-nasal drip irritates the lower throat. Or pressure within the sinus may trigger the cough reflex.

Allergic Cough. Some children get a cough from breathing in an allergic substance. Examples are pollens or cats. Allergic coughs can be controlled with allergy medicines, such as Benadryl.

Asthma. Asthma with wheezing is the most common cause of chronic coughs in children. In adults, it's smoking.

Cough Variant Asthma. 25% of children with asthma only cough and never wheeze. The coughing spells have the same triggers as asthma attacks.

Air Pollution Cough. Fumes of any kind can irritate the airway and cause a cough. Tobacco smoke is the most common example. Others are auto exhaust, smog and paint fumes.

Exercise Induced Cough. Running will make most coughs worse. If the air is cold or polluted, coughing is even more likely.

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Care Advice for Cough

Coughing up mucus is very important. It helps protect the lungs from pneumonia.

A cough can be a good thing. We don't want to fully turn off your child's ability to cough.

Here is some care advice that should help.

Homemade Cough Medicine:

Goal: Decrease the irritation or tickle in the throat that causes a dry cough.

Age 3 months to 1 year: Give warm clear fluids to treat the cough. Examples are apple juice and lemonade. Amount: Use a dose of 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 mL). Give 4 times per day when coughing. Caution: Do not use honey until 1 year old.

Age 1 year and older: Use Honey ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-5 mL) as needed. It works as a homemade cough medicine. It can thin the secretions and loosen the cough. If you don't have any honey, you can use corn syrup.

Age 6 years and older: Use Cough Drops to decrease the tickle in the throat. If you don't have any, you can use hard candy. Avoid cough drops before 6 years. Reason: risk of choking.

Non-Prescription Cough Medicine (DM):

Non-prescription cough medicines are not advised. Reason: No proven benefit for children and not approved under 6 years old. (FDA)

Honey has been shown to work better for coughs. Caution: Do not use honey until 1 year old.

If age 6 years or older, you might decide to use a cough medicine. Choose one with dextromethorphan (DM), such as Robitussin Cough syrup. DM is present in most non-prescription cough syrups.

When to Use: Give only for severe coughs that interfere with sleep or school.

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